At the BET Awards on Monday, June 9, Snoop Dogg, Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx and Kirk Franklin were honored with the Ultimate Icon Award, which recognizes and celebrates artists with long-standing influence in the music industry and Black culture.
The award, which has previously been given to Janet Jackson (2015), Debra L. Lee (2018), and Tyler Perry (2019), highlights artists who are considered trailblazers in their respective fields.
Carey, the best-selling female artist of all time, was introduced by Busta Rhymes before accepting her first-ever BET Award. In her speech, Carey thanked the network for the honor and offered advice to aspiring artists.
“Be a diva. Be a boss. Be anything you want to be — but be iconic while you’re doing it,” she said.
Snoop Dogg, a pioneering rap legend known for opening doors for generations of artists, was introduced by Dr. Dre and Warren G. During his speech, he reflected on his journey and the role of friendship and community throughout his career.
Stevie Wonder presented Foxx’s award. Foxx, who is a Golden Globe, BAFTA and Academy Award-winning actor and singer, began his speech with a message of gratitude following his recovery from a stroke in April 2023 while filming a movie.
“I don’t know why I went through what I went through, but my second chance — I’m not gonna turn down,” Foxx said, drawing an emotional response from the audience.
Lastly, Kirk Franklin received his award from rapper and producer T.I., who praised Franklin as a genre-blending pioneer who fused gospel and hip-hop to unite generations. T.I. credited Franklin with creating powerful music that resonates with both religious and mainstream audiences.
Franklin, who has nine Grammy Awards and numerous Dove and Stellar Awards, thanked his adoptive mother for introducing him to gospel songwriting. In a moving speech, he reflected on the challenges that shaped his life and career.
The evening at the Peacock Theater was filled with powerful tributes, gratitude and celebration as BET honored artists whose legacies continue to influence generations.
